Compositions and methods for small canines

ABSTRACT

A pet food composition specifically formulated for a small dog can include a combination of specific antioxidants, amino acids, metabolism components, and bone health components to maintain health. Methods of maintaining health and modulating select health parameters are also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/434,563 filed Dec. 15, 2016, the disclosure of which isincorporated in its entirety herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND

Numerous animal foods are well-known in the art. For canines, foodsadapted to a canine's age or size can be found on the market. Forexample, canine foods intended for puppies, adult, and senior caninesare well known and available for purchase at most retail outlets thatsell dog foods. Similarly, canine foods intended for overweight caninesor canines with particular conditions or diseases are known. U.S. Pat.No. 6,156,355 discloses foods that are designed for specific caninebreeds. There are, however, variables other than age, size, and heaththat distinguish canines of different breeds and affect their foodrequirements.

For example, the influence of breed, body weight, age, and gender onenergy requirements has been investigated. The results show that someanimals having the same body weight have very different energyrequirements. Other studies have shown that age-related changes areobserved in the metabolism and body composition of papillons, labradorretrievers, and great danes and that these changes affect lifeexpectancy. Studies have shown that some differences exist in terms ofbody composition and resting metabolic rate and that these differencesare independent of body weight. For example, feeding care will differbetween a 30 kilogram (kg) labrador and a 30 kg greyhound of the sameage and gender and living in the same environmental conditions becausetheir genetic backgrounds are different and these differences result indifferent metabolisms and body compositions. For example, the greyhoundmight require more energy per kg of ideal body weight (Kcal perday=150×Kg Body Weight^(0.75)) to stay in ideal body condition and thelabrador might require less energy (Kcal per day=110×Kg BodyWeight^(0.75)).

These known foods are useful for a variety of purposes. However, theselection of a particular food for an individual dog or class of dog isoften confusing. The consumer must determine the class and type of thedog and select from foods, none of which may be designed for theparticular animal that will consume the food. There is, therefore, aneed for new methods and compositions that overcome these issues.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to pet food compositions;methods of maintaining the health of a small dog; and methods formodulating a health parameter including at least one of bone density,fecal quality, or serum total antioxidant status. Specifically, thepresent disclosure relates to specific components for small dogs.

The present inventors have discovered that small dogs differ from otherdogs based on the results of metabolic profile, blood chemistry, andbody composition analysis. A very controlled study was employed tominimize other external factors by using multiple canines all fed thesame diet. A validation model was then developed by feeding differentlevels of the identified compounds (via a dietary change) to a group ofcanines and measuring changes in the corresponding metabolites.

In one embodiment, a pet food composition for a small dog can compriseat least three antioxidants selected from the group consisting ofvitamin E in an amount from about 13 IU to about 1,000 IU per 1,000 kcalof metabolizable energy (ME), vitamin C in an amount from about 0.25 IUto about 1,000 IU per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin A in an amount of about1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU per 1,000 kcal ME, selenium in an amount ofabout 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, lycopene in an amount ofabout 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food, carotenoids in anamount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food,proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg ofthe pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mgper kg of the pet food, and catechins in an amount of about 1 mg toabout 100 mg per kg of the pet food; amino acids includingphenylalanine, tyrosine, or the combination of phenylalanine andtyrosine, in an amount of about 1.9 g to about 20 g per 1,000 kcal ME;and lysine in an amount of about 1.6 g to about 20 g per 1,000 kcal ME;at least three metabolism components selected from the group consistingof vitamin B1 in an amount of about 0.56 mg to about 150.0 mg per 1,000kcal ME, vitamin B2 in an amount of about 1.3 mg to about 50.0 mg per1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3 in an amount of about 3.4 mg to about 500.0 mgper 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B5 in an amount of about 3.0 mg to about300.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B6 in an amount of about 0.38 mg toabout 200.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in an amount of about 0.01mg to about 10.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in an amount of about0.054 mg to about 40.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin B12 in anamount of about 0.007 mg to about 1.5 mg per 1,000 kcal ME; and bonehealth components including calcium in an amount of about 1.25 g toabout 6.25 g per 1,000 kcal ME, phosphorus in an amount of about 1.0 gto about 4.0 g per 1,000 kcal ME, a ratio of calcium to phosphorusranging from about 1:1 to about 2:1 by weight, magnesium in an amount ofabout 0.15 g to about 0.55 g per 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin D in anamount of about 125 IU to about 1,430 IU per 1,000 kcal ME.Additionally, the pet food composition can provide 3,500 to 6,000 kcalME per kg of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

In another embodiment, a method of maintaining the health of a small dogcan comprise administering to the small dog a pet food composition asdescribed herein.

In still another embodiment, a method of modulating a health parameterselected from the group consisting of bone density, fecal quality, andserum total antioxidant status, can comprise administering to a smalldog a pet food composition as described herein.

Additional features and advantages are described herein and will beapparent from the following Detailed Description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a vitamin” or “thevitamin” includes two or more vitamins. The term “and/or” used in thecontext of “X and/or Y” should be interpreted as “X,” or “Y,” or “X andY.” Where used herein, the terms “example” and “such as,” particularlywhen followed by a listing of terms, are merely exemplary andillustrative, and are not exclusive or comprehensive.

As used herein, “about” is understood to refer to numbers in a range ofnumerals, for example the range of −10% to +10% of the referencednumber, within −5% to +5% of the referenced number, or in one aspect,within −1% to +1% of the referenced number, and in a specific aspect,within −0.1% to +0.1% of the referenced number. Furthermore, allnumerical ranges herein should be understood to include all integers,whole or fractions, within the range. Moreover, these numerical rangesshould be construed as providing support for a claim directed to anynumber or subset of numbers in that range. For example, a disclosure offrom 1 to 10 should be construed as supporting a range of from 1 to 8,from 3 to 7, from 1 to 9, from 3.6 to 4.6, from 3.5 to 9.9, and soforth.

All percentages expressed herein are by weight of the total weight ofthe food composition unless expressed otherwise. When reference is madeto the pH, values correspond to pH measured at 25° C. with standardequipment. An “amount” can be the total amount of the referencedcomponent per serving of the composition or per distinct unit of thecomposition and/or can be the weight percentage of the referencedcomponent by dry weight. Moreover, an “amount” includes zero; forexample, the recitation of an amount of a compound does not necessarilymean that the compound is present, unless followed by a range thatexcludes zero.

The term “small dog” or “small canine” refers to canines having a weightof about 16 kg or less.

The term “other dogs” or “other canines” refers to canines having aweight of about 18 kg or more.

The terms “pet food,” “pet food product” and “pet food composition” meana product or composition that is intended for ingestion by a canine thatprovides at least one nutrient to the animal. Further in this regard,these terms mean that the product or composition is in a form ready forconsumption and is not merely an intermediate from which a consumableproduct or composition is made, although other food compositions can beadded in some embodiments, such as a dietary supplement. The term “petfood” means any food composition intended to be consumed by a canine. Inan embodiment, the compositions and methods disclosed herein involve asenior dog. Dogs are considered senior in the last 25% of their lives.The life span of a dog depends on its size and/or its breed, but for thepresent disclosure a senior dog is a dog that is at least 5 years of age(e.g., at least 6 years of age, at least 7 years of age, or at least 8years of age).

As used herein, “comparable canine” refers to a healthy animal of thesame gender, breed, and age as the canine.

As used herein, “metabolite” refers to a compound having biologicalactivity in a companion animal that is an intermediate or product ofmetabolism, and includes precursors thereof. As used herein, “precursor”refers to any compound that metabolizes to a metabolite duringmetabolism in a canine. For example, if the specific metabolite iscysteine, “the metabolite” comprises a cysteine precursor (e.g.,methionine).

The term “effective amount” means an amount of a compound of the presentinvention that (i) treats or prevents the particular disease, condition,or disorder, (ii) attenuates, ameliorates, or eliminates one or moresymptoms of the particular disease, condition, or disorder, or (iii)prevents or delays the onset of one or more symptoms of the particulardisease, condition, or disorder described herein. In one embodiment, thepresent metabolite or combination of metabolites can be present in aneffective amount for modulating a health parameter in a small caninesuch as bone density, fecal quality, serum total bilirubin, serumgamma-glutamyltransferase, serum total antioxidant status, serum T3, orserum T3/T4, and in one aspect, bone density, serum total antioxidantstatus, or fecal quality.

The dosages expressed herein are in milligrams per kilogram of bodyweight per day (mg/kg/day) unless expressed otherwise.

The term “long-term administration” means periods of repeatedadministration or consumption in excess of one month. Periods of longerthan two, three, or four months can be used for certain embodiments.Also, more extended periods can be used that include longer than 5, 6,7, 8, 9, or 10 months. Periods in excess of 11 months or 1 year can alsobe used. Longer term use extending over 1, 2, 3, or more years areincluded in the invention. For certain aging canines, the canine willcontinue consuming on a regular basis for the remainder of its life.This can also be referred to as consumption for “extended” periods.

The term “regular basis” or “regular administration” means at leastmonthly dosing with the compositions or consumption of the compositions,and in one aspect, means at least weekly dosing. More frequent dosing orconsumption, such as twice or three times weekly, can be performed incertain embodiments. Still, in other embodiments, regimens can be usedthat comprise at least once daily consumption. The skilled artisan willappreciate that the blood level of a compound or certain metabolites ofthat compound or which result after the consumption of that compound,may be a useful tool for assessing or determining dosing frequency. Forexample, for determining feeding amounts for pet food compositionscomprising a certain metabolite, the blood concentration of thatmetabolite, may provide useful information. A frequency, regardless ofwhether expressly exemplified herein, that allows maintenance of adesired blood level of the measured compound, such as a metabolite,within acceptable ranges can be useful herein. The skilled artisan willappreciate that feeding amounts will be a function of the compositionthat is being consumed or administered as well as the canine consumingthe food, and some food compositions may require more or less frequentadministration to maintain a desired blood level of the measuredcompound (e.g., a metabolite).

The relative terms “improve,” “increase,” “enhance,” “decrease” and thelike refer to the effects of the composition disclosed herein (acomposition comprising a metabolites) relative to a composition having alower amount or lacking such metabolites, but otherwise identical.

A “blended” composition merely has at least two components having atleast one different characteristic relative to each other. In oneaspect, moisture content and water activity can be different in thecontext of the present disclosure. In this regard, description of acomposition as “blended” does not imply that the blended composition hasbeen subjected to processing sometimes referenced as “blending,” namelymixing components so that they are indistinguishable from each other,and, in one aspect, such processing is avoided when mixing one componentwith the other components to form a blended composition (e.g., mixing adry component with a wet or semi-moist component). Further in thisregard, in a blended composition each of the at least two componentshaving at least one different characteristic relative to each other canretain their distinct identity and appearance.

“Wet food” means a pet food having a moisture content from about 50% toabout 90%, and in one aspect, from about 70% to about 90%. “Dry food”means a pet food having a moisture content less than about 20%, and inone aspect, less than about 15%, and in a specific aspect, less thanabout 10%. “Semi-moist food” means a pet food having a moisture contentfrom about 20% to about 50%, and in one aspect, from about 25% to about35%.

“Kibbles” is used synonymously with “chunks” herein and both terms meanpieces of dry or semi-moist pet food which can have a pellet shape orany other shape and can be made by slicing a food composition intoseparate pieces. Non-limiting examples of kibbles include particulates;pellets; pieces of pet food, dehydrated meat, meat analog, vegetables,and combinations thereof; and pet snacks, such as meat or vegetablejerky, rawhide, and biscuits. A “meat analog” is a meat emulsion productthat resembles pieces of natural meat in appearance, texture, andphysical structure.

The term “dietary supplement” means a product that is intended to beingested in addition to the normal canine diet. Dietary supplements maybe in any form, e.g., solid, liquid, gel, tablets, capsules, powder, andthe like. In one aspect, they can be provided in convenient dosageforms. In some embodiments, they can be provided in bulk consumerpackages such as bulk powders, liquids, gels, or oils. In otherembodiments, supplements can be provided in bulk quantities to beincluded in other food items such as snacks, treats, supplement bars,beverages and the like.

The compositions disclosed herein may lack any element that is notspecifically disclosed herein. Thus, a disclosure of an embodiment usingthe term “comprising” includes a disclosure of embodiments “consistingessentially of” and “consisting of” the components identified.Similarly, the methods disclosed herein may lack any step that is notspecifically disclosed herein. Thus, a disclosure of an embodiment usingthe term “comprising” includes a disclosure of embodiments “consistingessentially of” and “consisting of” the steps identified. Any embodimentdisclosed herein can be combined with any other embodiment disclosedherein unless explicitly and directly stated otherwise.

The present discussion of embodiments, aspects, examples, etc. areindependent in that they can apply to all methods and compositions. Forexample, a metabolite used in a pet food composition can also be used inthe method of modulating or a method of maintaining the health of acanine, and vice versa.

Embodiments

A pet food composition for a small dog can comprise at least threeantioxidants selected from the group consisting of vitamin E, vitamin C,vitamin A, selenium, lycopene, carotenoids, proanthocyanidins,bioflavonoids, and catechins; amino acids including phenylalanine,tyrosine, or the combination of phenylalanine and tyrosine, lysine, andarginine; at least three metabolism components selected from the groupconsisting of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitaminB6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; and bone health componentsincluding calcium, phosphorus, a ratio of calcium to phosphorus rangingfrom about 1:1 to about 2:1 by weight, magnesium, and vitamin D.Additionally, the pet food composition can provide about 3,500 to about6,000 kcal ME per kg of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

The present components can be delivered to specifically address theneeds of a small dog as presently discovered. In one embodiment, thevitamin E can be present in an amount of about 13 to about 1,000 IU per1,000 calorie (kcal) of metabolizable energy (ME) of the diet. In morespecific embodiments, vitamin E can be present in an amount of about 20to about 850 IU per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet, or about 25 to about700 IU per 1,000 kcal of ME, or about 50 to about 600 IU per 1,000 kcalof ME in the diet.

In one embodiment, vitamin C can be present in an amount of about 0.25to about 200 IU per 1,000 calorie (kcal) of ME of the diet. In morespecific embodiments, vitamin C can be present in an amount of about 20to about 850 IU per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet, or about 25 to about700 IU per 1,000 kcal of ME, or about 50 to about 600 IU per 1,000 kcalof ME in the diet.

In one embodiment, a source of vitamin A can be present in an amount ofabout 1,300 to about 62,500 IU vitamin A per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet.In more specific embodiments, vitamin can be present in an amount ofabout 6,000 to about 50,000 IU per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet.

In one embodiment, a source of selenium can be present in an amount ofabout 0.10 to about 0.5 mg selenium per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet. Inother embodiments, selenium can be present in an amount of about 0.11 toabout 0.4 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet, or about 0.12 to about0.35 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME, or about 0.14 to about 0.28 mg per 1,000kcal of ME in the diet.

In one embodiment, lycopene can be present in an amount of about 1 toabout 100 mg/kg of the diet, or in various alternative embodiments,about 10 to about 90, about 20 to about 80, about 30 to about 70, orabout 40 to about 60 mg/kg of the diet.

In one embodiment, carotenoids can be present in an amount of about 1 toabout 100 mg/kg of the diet. In more specific embodiments, carotenoidscan be present in an amount of about 10 to about 90 mg/kg of the diet,or about 20 to about 80 mg/kg, about 30 to about 70 mg/kg, or about 40to about 60 mg/kg of the diet.

The diets also contains other ingredients, e.g., grape seed extract orother plants, which provides proanthocyanidins, bioflavonoids, andcatechins. In various embodiments, suitable amounts ofproanthocyanidins, bioflavonoids, and catechins that can be included inthe diet are about 1 to about 500, about 1 to about 250, about 1 toabout 100, or about 1 to about 50 mg/kg.

In one embodiment, a source of phenylalanine and/or tyrosine can bepresent in an amount of about 1.9 to about 20 g per 1,000 kcal ME in thediet. In other embodiments, phenylalanine and/or tyrosine can be presentin an amount of about 2.3 to about 17 g per 1,000 kcal of ME in thediet, or about 3 to about 15 g per 1,000 kcal of ME, or about 4 to about12 g per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet.

In one embodiment, a source of lysine can be present in an amount ofabout 1.6 to about 20 g per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet. In otherembodiments, lysine can be present in an amount of about 1.9 to about 14g per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet, or about 2.3 to about 10 g per 1,000kcal of ME, or about 3 to about 6.5 g per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet.

In one embodiment, a source of arginine can be present in an amount ofabout 1.28 to about 25 g per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet. In otherembodiments, lysine can be present in an amount of about 1.28 to about18 g per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet, or about 2.3 to about 12 g per1,000 kcal of ME, or about 1.28 to about 6.5 g per 1,000 kcal of ME inthe diet.

In one embodiment, a source of vitamin B1 (thiamine) can be present inan amount of about 0.56 to about 150.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet.In other embodiments, vitamin B1 can be present in an amount of about1.0 to about 120.0 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet, or about 2.0 toabout 80.0 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME, or about 3.0 to about 46.5 mg per1,000 kcal of ME in the diet.

In one embodiment, a source of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) can be present inan amount of about 1.3 to about 50.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet.In other embodiments, vitamin B2 can be present in an amount of about1.3 to about 40 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet, or about 1.4 toabout 25 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME, or about 1.5 to about 10.0 mg per1,000 kcal of ME in the diet.

In one embodiment, a source of vitamin B3 (niacin, nicotinic acid) canbe present in an amount of about 3.4 to about 500.0 mg per 1,000 kcal MEin the diet. In other embodiments, vitamin B3 can be present in anamount of about 5.0 to about 400.0 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet,or about 10.0 to about 350 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME, or about 20.0 toabout 250.0 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet.

In one embodiment, a source of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid,pantothenate) can be present in an amount of about 3.0 to about 300 mgper 1,000 kcal ME in the diet. In other embodiments, vitamin B5 can bepresent in an amount of about 3.5 to about 200 mg per 1,000 kcal of MEin the diet, or about 4.0 to about 150 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME, or about5.5 to about 80 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet.

In one embodiment, a source of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal,pyridoxamine) can be present in an amount of about 0.38 to about 200.0mg per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet. In other embodiments, vitamin B6 canbe present in an amount of about 0.75 to about 125 mg per 1,000 kcal ofME in the diet, or about 1.5 to about 90.0 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME, orabout 3.0 to about 35.0 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet.

In one embodiment, a source of vitamin B7 (biotin) can be present in anamount of about 0.01 to about 10.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet. Inother embodiments, vitamin B7 can be present in an amount of about 0.015to about 6.0 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet, or about 0.02 to about2.0 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME, or about 0.035 to about 0.8 mg per 1,000kcal of ME in the diet.

In one embodiment, a source of vitamin B9 (folic acid, folate) can bepresent in an amount of about 0.054 to about 40.0 mg per 1,000 kcal MEin the diet. In other embodiments, vitamin B9 can be present in anamount of about 0.1 to about 25.0 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet,or about 0.2 to about 15.0 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME, or about 0.30 toabout 4.5 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet.

In one embodiment, a source of vitamin B12 (cobalamin, cyclocobalamin,methylcobalamin) can be present in an amount of about 0.007 to about 1.5mg per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet. In other embodiments, vitamin B12 canbe present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 1.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ofME in the diet, or about 0.012 to about 0.6 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME, orabout 0.015 to about 0.3 mg per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet.

In one embodiment, a source of calcium can be present in an amount ofabout 1.25 to about 6.25 g per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet. In otherembodiments, calcium can be present in an amount of about 1.6 to about5.9 g per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet, or about 2.0 to about 5.0 g per1,000 kcal of ME, or about 2.5 to about 4.5 g per 1,000 kcal of ME inthe diet.

In one embodiment, a source of phosphorus can be present in an amount ofabout 1.0 to about 4.0 g per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet. In otherembodiments, phosphorus can be present in an amount of about 1.5 toabout 3.8 g per 1,000 kcal of ME in the diet, or about 2.0 to about 3.6g per 1,000 kcal of ME, or about 2.3 to about 3.4 g per 1,000 kcal of MEin the diet.

In one embodiment, a ratio of calcium to phosphorus can be present in anamount of about 1:1 to about 2:1 in the diet by weight. In otherembodiments, a ratio of calcium to phosphorus can be present in anamount of about 1:1 to about 1.8:1 by weight, or about 1:1 to about1.6:1 by weight in the diet.

In one embodiment, a source of magnesium can be present in an amount ofabout 0.15 to about 0.55 g per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet. In otherembodiments, magnesium can be present in an amount of about 0.16 toabout 0.45 or about 0.17 to about 0.35 g per 1,000 kcal of ME in thediet.

In one embodiment, a source of vitamin D can be present in an amount ofabout 125 to about 1,430 IU per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet. In morespecific embodiments, vitamin D can be present in an amount of about 225to about 1,300 IU per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet, or about 275 to about1,200, or about 350 to about 1,100 IU per 1,000 kcal ME in the diet.

Generally, the pet food composition includes at least threeantioxidants. In one embodiment, the pet food composition can compriseat least 4 antioxidants. In another embodiment, the pet food compositioncan comprise at least 5 antioxidants. In still another embodiment, thepet food composition can comprise at least 6 antioxidants. In yetanother embodiment, the pet food composition can comprises each one ofvitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, selenium, lycopene, carotenoids,proanthocyanidins, bioflavonoids, and catechins. In one specific aspect,the pet food composition can include each one of vitamin E in an amountfrom 13 about IU to about 1,000 IU per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin C in anamount from about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin Ain an amount of about 1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU per 1,000 kcal ME,selenium in an amount of about 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg per 1,000 kcal ME,lycopene in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the petfood, carotenoids in an amount of about 1 to about 100 mg per kg of thepet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mgper kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount of about 1 mg toabout 100 mg per kg of the pet food, catechins in an amount of about 1mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food.

Generally, the pet food composition comprises B vitamins that areessential to the health of the canine. In one embodiment, the pet foodcomposition can comprise vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5,vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12. In one specificaspect, the pet food composition can comprise each one of vitamin B1 inan amount of about 0.56 mg to about 150.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitaminB2 in an amount of about 1.3 mg to about 50.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME,vitamin B3 in an amount of about 3.4 mg to about 500.0 mg per 1,000 kcalME, vitamin B5 in an amount of about 3.0 mg to about 300.0 mg per 1,000kcal ME, vitamin B6 in an amount of about 0.38 mg to about 200.0 mg per1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in an amount of about 0.01 mg to about 10.0 mgper 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in an amount of about 0.054 mg to about40.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin B12 in an amount of about 0.007mg to about 1.5 mg per 1,000 kcal ME.

Generally, the pet food composition comprises essential amino acids formaintaining health. In one embodiment, the pet food compositioncomprises phenylalanine, tyrosine, or the combination of phenylalanineand tyrosine; and lysine. In one specific aspect, the pet foodcomposition comprises amino acids including phenylalanine, tyrosine, orthe combination of phenylalanine and tyrosine in an amount of 1.9 g to20 g per 1,000 kcal ME; and lysine in an amount of 1.6 g to 20 g per1,000 kcal ME.

Generally, the pet food composition comprises essential bone healthcomponents for maintaining bone health. In one embodiment, the pet foodcomposition comprises calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and vitamin D.Additionally, the pet food composition can contain a ratio of calcium tophosphorous specific for small dogs. In one specific aspect, the petfood composition comprises bone health components including calcium inan amount of about 1.25 g to about 6.25 g per 1,000 kcal ME, phosphorusin an amount of about 1.0 g to about 4.0 g per 1,000 kcal ME, a ratio ofcalcium to phosphorus ranging from about 1:1 to about 2:1 by weight,magnesium in an amount of about 0.15 g to about 0.55 g per 1,000 kcalME, and vitamin D in an amount of about 125 IU to about 1,430 IU per1,000 kcal ME.

Generally, the pet food composition is formulated for small dogs. Assuch, in one embodiment, the pet food composition provides 3,000 to6,000 kcal ME per kg of the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.

Additionally, the pet food compositions can comprise metabolites thathave been shown as significant for small dogs. In one embodiment, thepet food can include at least three metabolites for modulatingantioxidant concentration in the small dog, the metabolites selectedfrom the group consisting of 5-oxoproline, gamma-glutamylphenylalanine,urate, gamma-glutamylisoleucine, gamma-glutamylleucine,gamma-glutamylvaline, gamma-glutamyltyrosine, xylonate, arabonate,gamma-glutamylmethionine, gulono-1,4-lactone, bilirubin (E,E),cysteine-glutathione disulfide, and threonate. In one aspect, the petfood composition can include at least 3 metabolites for modulating aminoacid concentration in the small dog, the metabolites selected from thegroup consisting of phenylalanine, p-cresol sulfate, phenol sulfate,glutamine, tyrosine, arginine, and lysine.

In one specific aspect, the pet food composition can comprise vitamin Ein an amount from about 50 IU to about 600 IU per 1,000 kcal ME, vitaminC in an amount from about 50 IU to about 600 IU per 1,000 kcal ME,vitamin A in an amount of about 6,000 IU to about 50,000 IU per 1,000kcal ME, selenium in an amount of about 0.14 mg to about 0.28 mg per1,000 kcal ME, lycopene in an amount of about 40 mg to about 60 mg perkg of the pet food, carotenoids in an amount of about 40 mg to about 60mg per kg of the pet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mgto about 50 mg per kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount ofabout 1 mg to about 50 mg per kg of the pet food, and catechins in anamount of about 1 mg to about 50 mg per kg of the pet food;phenylalanine, tyrosine, or combination of phenylalanine and tyrosine inan amount of about 4 g to about 12 g per 1,000 kcal ME; and lysine in anamount of about 3 g to about 6.5 g per 1,000 kcal ME; vitamin B1 in anamount of about 3.0 mg to about 46.5 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B2 inan amount of about 1.5 mg to about 10.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3in an amount of about 20.0 mg to about 250.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME,vitamin B5 in an amount of about 5.5 mg to about 80.0 mg per 1,000 kcalME, vitamin B6 in an amount of about 3.0 mg to about 35.0 mg per 1,000kcal ME, vitamin B7 in an amount of about 0.035 mg to about 0.8 mg per1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in an amount of about 0.30 mg to about 4.5 mgper 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin B12 in an amount of about 0.015 mg toabout 0.3 mg per 1,000 kcal ME; and calcium in an amount of about 2.5 gto about 4.5 g per 1,000 kcal ME, phosphorus in an amount of about 2.3 gto about 3.4 g per 1,000 kcal ME, ratio of calcium to phosphorus rangingfrom about 1:1 to about 1.6:1 by weight, magnesium in an amount of about0.17 g to about 0.35 g per 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin D in an amount ofabout 350 IU to about 1,100 IU per 1,000 kcal ME.

In one embodiment, a method of maintaining the health of a small dog cancomprise administering to the small dog a pet food composition asdescribed herein. In one aspect, the administering can be a regularadministration.

In another embodiment, a method of modulating a health parameterselected from the group consisting of bone density, fecal quality, andserum total antioxidant status, can comprise administering to a smalldog a pet food composition as described herein.

Generally, the method of modulating can provide an increase or decreasein a health parameter (such as bone density or serum total antioxidantstatus) after administration of the pet food composition. In oneembodiment, the health parameter can be increased or decreased by atleast 5%. In other aspects, the health parameter can be increased ordecreased by 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or even 50%, orhigher. In one specific aspect, the health parameter can be increased.In another specific aspect, the health parameter can be decreased. Inanother aspect, fecal quality can be improved.

In each of these compositions and methods, the pet food composition canbe a wet food, a semi-moist food or a dry food. In an embodiment, thepet food composition is one or more components of a blended composition.In some embodiments, the pet food composition is a kibble, and in someembodiments, the pet food composition is a meat analog. Additionally, inanother embodiment, the present composition can be a dietary supplementcomprising the components described herein.

Such pet food compositions can be administered to the canine in amountsranging from about 3 g of pet food per 1 lb body weight to about 16 g ofpet food per 1 lb body weight of the canine. Additionally, themetabolites can be present in amounts from about 0.01 weight % to about10 weight % of the food composition. In one aspect, the metabolites canbe present in concentrations of about 0.01 to about 1,000 mg/kg of food.In another aspect, the metabolites can be present in concentrations fromabout 1 IU to about 500,000 IU per kilogram of food. In one embodiment,the pet food composition can be administered to the canine in amountssufficient to maintain the health and/or body weight of the animal.

As noted above and detailed later in this application, the presentinventors identified metabolite compounds which correlate to small dogs.Thus, the pet food composition can comprise one of these compounds.

As another non-limiting example, the metabolite can be selected from thegroup consisting of creatine, creatinine, 5-oxoproline,gamma-glutamylphenylalanine, X-18487, hydroxyproline, phenylalanine,X-14625, X-17381, p-cresol sulfate, X-11334, urate, X-13731,gamma-glutamylisoleucine, gamma-glutamylleucine, gamma-glutamylvaline,pseudouridine, phenol sulfate, X-12668, C-glycosyltryptophan,myo-inositol, 17-methyistearate, X-14314, glutamine, X-12010, glycolate(hydroxyacetate), gamma-glutamyltyrosine, X-12822, xylonate,prolylhydroxyproline, mannitol, hydroquinone sulfate, ethanolamine,4-ethylphenyl sulfate, arabonate, N6-carbamoylthreonyladenosine,pantothenate (Vitamin B5), pyroglutamine, gamma-glutamylmethionine,X-16940, citrulline, tyrosine, gulono-1,4-lactone, methylpalmitate (15or 2), X-16394, xylitol, arginine, 2′-deoxycytidine,2′-O-methylguanosine, ophthalmate, homocitrulline, 5-methylcytidine,N-formylmethionine, bilirubin (E,E), X-17299, X-18156, palmitoylsphingomyelin, X-16945, cysteine-glutathione disulfide, 4-vinylphenolsulfate, erythritol, dihomolinolenate (20:3n3 or 3n6), anthranilate,lysine, threitol, threonate, and mixtures thereof.

As yet another non-limiting example, the metabolite can be selected fromthe group consisting of creatine, creatinine, 5-oxoproline,gamma-glutamylphenylalanine, hydroxyproline, phenylalanine, p-cresolsulfate, urate, gamma-glutamylisoleucine, gamma-glutamylleucine,gamma-glutamylvaline, pseudouridine, phenol sulfate,C-glycosyltryptophan, myo-inositol, 17-methylstearate, glutamine,glycolate (hydroxyacetate), gamma-glutamyltyrosine, xylonate,prolylhydroxyproline, mannitol, hydroquinone sulfate, ethanolamine,4-ethylphenyl sulfate, arabonate, N6-carbamoylthreonyladenosine,pantothenate (Vitamin B5), pyroglutamine, gamma-glutamylmethionine,citrulline, tyrosine, gulono-1,4-lactone, methylpalmitate (15 or 2),xylitol, arginine, 2′-deoxycytidine, 2′-O-methylguanosine, ophthalmate,homocitrulline, 5-methylcytidine, N-formylmethionine, bilirubin (E,E),palmitoyl sphingomyelin, cysteine-glutathione disulfide, 4-vinylphenolsulfate, erythritol, dihomolinolenate (20:3n3 or 3n6), anthranilate,lysine, threitol, threonate, and mixtures thereof.

As noted above, ingredients comprising the metabolite (e.g., a precursorof the metabolite) and optionally amounts of the metabolite in theingredient can be identified by analysis of the ingredient, for exampleusing a separation technique, such as gas chromatography or liquidchromatography, and then mass spectrometry.

The pet food compositions disclosed herein can be any food formulatedfor consumption by a canine. In an embodiment, the pet food compositionprovides complete nutrition as defined by the Association of AmericanFeed Control Officials (AAFCO) for a canine.

The pet food composition can comprise meat, such as emulsified meat.Examples of suitable meat include poultry, beef, pork, lamb and fish,especially those types of meats suitable for pets. The meat can includeany additional parts of an animal including offal. Some or all of themeat can be provided as one or more meat meals, namely meat that hasbeen dried and ground to form substantially uniform-sized particles andas defined by AAFCO. Additionally or alternatively, vegetable proteincan be used, such as pea protein, corn protein (e.g., ground corn orcorn gluten), wheat protein (e.g., ground wheat or wheat gluten), soyprotein (e.g., soybean meal, soy concentrate, or soy isolate), riceprotein (e.g., ground rice or rice gluten) and the like.

The pet food compositions disclosed herein can comprise vegetable oil, aflavorant, a colorant and water. Suitable vegetable oils include soybeanoil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, peanut oil,safflower oil, and the like. Examples of suitable flavorants includeyeast, tallow, rendered animal meals (e.g., poultry, beef, lamb, pork),flavor extracts or blends (e.g., grilled beef), animal digests, and thelike. Suitable colorants include FD&C colors, such as blue no. 1, blueno. 2, green no. 3, red no. 3, red no. 40, yellow no. 5, yellow no. 6,and the like; natural colors, such as caramel coloring, annatto,chlorophyllin, cochineal, betanin, turmeric, saffron, paprika, lycopene,elderberry juice, pandan, butterfly pea and the like; titanium dioxide;and any suitable food colorant known to the skilled artisan.

The pet food compositions disclosed herein can optionally includeadditional ingredients, such as other grains and/or other starchesadditionally or alternatively to flour, amino acids, fibers, sugars,animal oils, aromas, other oils additionally or alternatively tovegetable oil, humectants, preservatives, polyols, salts, oral careingredients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, probiotic microorganisms,bioactive molecules or combinations thereof.

Suitable starches include a grain such as corn, rice, wheat, barley,oats, soy and the like, and mixtures of these grains, and can beincluded at least partially in any flour. Suitable humectants includesalt, sugars, propylene glycol and polyhydric glycols such as glycerinand sorbitol, and the like. Suitable oral care ingredients includealfalfa nutrient concentrate containing chlorophyll, sodium bicarbonate,phosphates (e.g., tricalcium phosphate, acid pyrophosphates, tetrasodiumpyrophosphate, metaphosphates, and orthophosphates), peppermint, cloves,parsley, ginger and the like. Examples of suitable antioxidants includebutylated hydroxyanisole (“BHA”) and butylated hydroxytoluene (“BHT”),vitamin E (tocopherols), and the like.

Non-limiting examples of vitamins that can be used include Vitamins A,B-complex (such as B-1, B-2, B-6 and B-12), C, D, E and K, niacin andacid vitamins such as pantothenic acid and folic acid and biotin.Non-limiting examples of suitable minerals include calcium, iron, zinc,magnesium, iodine, copper, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, chromium,molybdenum, selenium, nickel, tin, silicon, vanadium, boron and thelike.

Non-limiting examples of suitable preservatives include potassiumsorbate, sorbic acid, sodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoate, calciumpropionate, propionic acid, and combinations thereof.

Specific amounts for each additional ingredient in the pet foodcompositions disclosed herein will depend on a variety of factors suchas the ingredient included in the first edible material and any secondedible material; the species of animal; the animal's age, body weight,general health, sex, and diet; the animal's consumption rate; thepurpose for which the food product is administered to the animal; andthe like.

EXAMPLES

The following non-limiting examples are illustrative of embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

Example 1—Small Dog Study

83 canines were all fed the same kibble diet for 5 weeks. Small dogs(34) weighed an average of 9.3 kg (6.1-15.6 kg). Other dogs (49) weighedan average of 31.5 kg (18.4-54.4 kg). Plasma samples were taken afterovernight fasting using EDTA vacutainer tubes during the fifth week offeeding of each diet. After centrifugation, plasma was aliquoted intocryovials and frozen at −80° C.

TABLE 1 Mois- Moisture ture DM Protein Fat Ash Fiber CHO GE Basis % % %% % % % kcal/g Diet A As-Is 8.1 91.9 22.7 13.3 6.1 2.0 47.9 4.5 Dry 0100 24.7 14.5 6.6 2.1 52.1 4.9 matter Diet B As-Is 76 24 9.1 10.5 1.8 02.6 1.7 Dry 0 100 38 43.7 7.5 0 10.8 6.9 Matter

Metabolomic analysis was carried out using the following methods byMetabolon Inc. Samples were extracted and split into equal parts foranalysis on GC/MS and LC/MS/MS platforms. Proprietary software was usedto match ions to an in-house library of standards for metaboliteidentification and for metabolite quantitation by peak area integrationby Metabolon Inc. Mass and retention index are provided in the followingtables such that each metabolite can be uniquely identified andindividually distinguished.

At the time of analysis, samples were thawed and extracts prepared toremove protein, dislodge small molecules bound to protein or physicallytrapped in the precipitated protein matrix, and recover a wide range ofchemically diverse metabolites. A separate aliquot of each experimentalplasma sample was taken then pooled for the creation of “Client Matrix”(CMTRX) samples. These CMTRX samples were injected throughout theplatform run and served as technical replicates, allowing variability inthe quantitation of all consistently detected biochemicals to bedetermined and overall process variability and platform performance tobe monitored. Extracts of all experimental and CMTRX samples were splitfor analysis on the GC/MS and LC/MS/MS platforms.

The CMTRX technical replicate samples were treated independentlythroughout the process as if they were client study samples. All processsamples (CMTRX and Grob test mixtures of organic components used toassess GC column performance, process blanks, etc.) were spaced evenlyamong the injections for each day and all client samples were randomlydistributed throughout each day's run. Data were collected over multipleplatform run days and thus ‘block normalized’ by calculating the medianvalues for each run-day block for each individual compound. Thisnormalization minimizes any inter-day instrument gain or drift, but doesnot interfere with intra-day sample variability. Missing values (if any)were assumed to be below the level of detection for that biochemicalwith the instrumentation used and were imputed with the observed minimumfor that particular biochemical.

A number of internal standards were added to each experimental andprocess standard sample just prior to injection into the massspectrometers. A measure of the platform variability (7%) was determinedby calculating the median relative standard deviation (RSD) for theseinternal standards. Because these standards are added to the samplesimmediately prior to injection into the instrument, this value reflectsinstrument variation. In addition, the median relative standarddeviation (RSD) for the biochemicals that were consistently measured inthe CMTRX represents the total variability within the process for theactual experimental samples and the variability in quantitation of theendogenous metabolites within these samples (12%). Results for the CMTRXand internal standards indicated that the platform produced data thatmet process specifications.

589 total metabolites were detected in plasma. This total corresponds tomany biochemicals (401) that matched a named structure in the referencelibrary (named compounds). The remaining biochemicals (188) representdistinct chemical entities (that is, they represent a single molecule ofdiscrete molecular formula and structure), but they do not currentlymatch a named biochemical in the reference library (unnamed/unknowncompounds).

Clinical measures were carried out with all dogs except for bone density(DEXA), T3 and T4 which were carried out with all small dogs (34) and 35other dogs weighing an average of 26.4 kg (18.4-32.1 kg). Serumcreatinine, creatine kinase, potassium, total bilirubin, totalantioxidant status (TAS), aspartate transaminase (AST),gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total T3, total T4 were measured usingthe Cobas® c311 or e411 clinical chemistry analyzer, according tomanufacturer's directions. Protein digestibility was determined based onamount of protein in food consumed, amount in feces and corrected formicrobial nitrogen. Bone density was measured using dual-energy x-rayabsorptiometry (DEXA) according to manufacturer's directions.

Benjamini-Hochberg adjusted P values were determined for all clinicalmeasures except for T3/T4 ratio where standard P-values were determinedand protein digestibility where Mann Whitney was performed.

Metabolite correlations between small dog and other dogs are shown inTable 2. Clinical measures between small dog and other dogs are shown inTable 3.

TABLE 2 Specific Metabolite ratios between small dogs and other dogs.Correlations with a P value < 0.05 are reported. Ratio (Small/ RetentionID Others) P-Value Index Mass creatine 2.81 7.35E−08 758 132.1creatinine 0.78 2.47E−07 730 114.1 5-oxoproline 0.78 3.28E−07 744 128.2gamma- 0.71 3.66E−06 2846 295.1 glutamylphenylalanine X - 18487 0.485.41E−06 1269.6 273.1 hydroxyproline 0.72 7.97E−05 705 132.1phenylalanine 0.84 7.97E−05 2056 166.1 X - 14625 0.82 7.97E−05 742 308.1X - 17381 2.94 7.97E−05 4159.8 293.1 p-cresol sulfate 1.48 1.05E−04 2896187.1 X - 11334 0.47 1.19E−04 982 259.1 urate 0.72 1.58E−04 1928 441.2X - 13731 1.92 3.57E−04 1902 235 gamma-glutamylisoleucine 0.78 4.15E−042644 261.2 gamma-glutamylleucine 0.76 4.15E−04 2744 261.2gamma-glutamylvaline 0.77 4.64E−04 2040 247.2 pseudouridine 0.894.96E−04 1104 243.1 phenol sulfate 1.74 6.12E−04 2150 173.1 X - 126681.72 6.76E−04 2318 246.1 C-glycosyltryptophan 0.79 9.31E−04 1912 367.1myo-inositol 0.79 0.001 1924.9 217 17-methylstearate 1.42 0.001 5987297.4 X - 14314 0.79 0.001 2302 241.1 glutamine 0.89 0.002 684 147.2 X -12010 0.72 0.002 1707 203.1 glycolate (hydroxyacetate) 0.87 0.002 1119177 gamma-glutamyltyrosine 0.75 0.002 2073 311.2 X - 12822 0.62 0.0042786 389.1 xylonate 0.58 0.004 1722 292 prolylhydroxyproline 0.19 0.005960 229.2 mannitol 0.33 0.005 1839 319.1 hydroquinone sulfate 1.57 0.0051383 189 ethanolamine 0.61 0.005 1304 174.1 4-ethylphenyl sulfate 1.500.006 3570 201.1 arabonate 0.69 0.006 1736 292.1 N6- 0.87 0.006 2656 413carbamoylthreonyladenosine pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 1.32 0.006 2218220.1 pyroglutamine 0.74 0.006 764 129.2 gamma-glutamylmethionine 0.770.008 1993 279.2 X - 16940 3.45 0.010 1694.1 204.9 citrulline 1.21 0.010715 176.1 tyrosine 0.86 0.010 1516 182.1 gulono-1,4-lactone 0.68 0.0111862 333.1 methylpalmitate (15 or 2) 1.23 0.011 5698 269.4 X - 163940.79 0.011 1719 229.2 xylitol 0.75 0.014 1677.6 217 arginine 1.15 0.015728 173.2 2′-deoxycytidine 0.84 0.021 1256 228 2′-O-methylguanosine 0.590.022 1926 298 ophthalmate 0.47 0.023 1457 290.1 homocitrulline 0.770.024 832 190.1 5-methylcytidine 1.13 0.025 1388 258 N-formylmethionine0.89 0.029 1541 176.1 bilirubin (E,E) 0.50 0.031 4625 585.2 X - 172990.83 0.031 1265.9 229.2 X - 18156 0.79 0.031 1392 272.1 palmitoylsphingomyelin 0.84 0.032 2524 311.3 X - 16945 1.73 0.036 3457.9 351cysteine-glutathione disulfide 0.81 0.038 821 427.1 4-vinylphenolsulfate 1.29 0.040 3323 199.1 erythritol 0.87 0.040 1517.5 217dihomolinolenate 1.19 0.043 5600 305.4 (20:3n3 or 3n6) anthranilate 1.360.049 3213 138.1 lysine 0.75 0.049 1836.7 317.2 threitol 0.86 0.049 1513217.1 threonate 0.74 0.049 1560.7 292.1

TABLE 3 Clinical measures with P value < 0.05 between small and others(except for serum T4 in which the data was used for T3/T4 ratio. MeanSEM Mean SEM Clinical Measure small Small Others Others P value BoneDensity (gm/cm²) 0.65 0.01 0.78 0.01 3.07E−10 Serum Creatinine (mg/dL)0.64 0.02 0.86 0.02 7.80E−07 Serum Creatine Kinase 263.88 33.51 154.0421.37 5.04E−05 (IU/L) Serum Potassium 4.31 0.05 4.65 0.05 9.33E−04(mmol/L) Serum Total Bilirubin 0.10 0.01 0.13 0.01 0.02 (mg/dL) SerumAspartate 35.68 1.99 27.91 1.07 0.02 Transaminase (U/L) Serum Gamma-6.93 0.43 5.94 0.36 0.02 Glutamyltransferase (g/dL) Serum TotalAntioxidant 1.49 0.03 1.60 0.02 0.03 Status (mmol/L) Serum T3 (nmol/L)1.06 0.04 0.94 0.03 0.04 Serum T4 (ug/dL) 1.68 0.19 1.77 0.09 0.27 SerumT3/T4 ((ng/dL)/ 54.11 4.58 40.54 4.52 0.04 (ug/dL)) ProteinDigestibility 88.00 0.38 86.00 0.57 0.01 (percentage)

The present data provides metabolic differences identified for smallbreed dogs based on the results of metabolic profile, blood chemistry,and body composition analysis. The overall antioxidant status in smallbreed dogs as assessed by many factors was reduced compared to non-smallbreed dogs, thus they require more dietary antioxidants. It wasdiscovered that small breed dogs also require increased daily intakes ofsome amino acids, mainly phenylalanine, tyrosine, and lysine; whilerequiring a lower dietary amount of arginine. Small breed dogs alsorequire greater caloric intake per unit body weight per day to meettheir energy needs, i.e. higher metabolic rate. Thus, small breed dogsneed increased dietary B vitamins, with the exception of Vitamin B5) tohelp support the increased metabolic rate. Small breed dogs were alsofound to have lower bone mineral density, and need increased dietarynutrients to help support bone integrity. Based on these discoveries,the compositions and methods include specific components tailored tosmall dogs.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present subjectmatter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thereforeintended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appendedclaims.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A pet food composition for asmall dog, comprising: at least three antioxidants selected from thegroup consisting of: vitamin E in an amount from about 13 IU to about1,000 IU per 1,000 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME), vitamin C in anamount from about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin Ain an amount of about 1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU per 1,000 kcal ME,selenium in an amount of about 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg per 1,000 kcal ME,lycopene in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the petfood, carotenoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg ofthe pet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100mg per kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount of about 1 mg toabout 100 mg per kg of the pet food, and catechins in an amount of about1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food; amino acids includingphenylalanine, tyrosine, or the combination of phenylalanine andtyrosine, in an amount of about 1.9 g to about 20 g per 1,000 kcal ME;and lysine in an amount of about 1.6 g to about 20 g per 1,000 kcal ME;at least three metabolism components selected from the group consistingof: vitamin B1 in an amount of about 0.56 mg to about 150.0 mg per 1,000kcal ME, vitamin B2 in an amount of about 1.3 mg to about 50.0 mg per1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3 in an amount of about 3.4 mg to about 500.0 mgper 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B5 in an amount of about 3.0 mg to about300.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B6 in an amount of about 0.38 mg toabout 200.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in an amount of about 0.01mg to about 10.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in an amount of about0.054 mg to about 40.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin B12 in anamount of about 0.007 mg to about 1.5 mg per 1,000 kcal ME; and bonehealth components including calcium in an amount of about 1.25 g toabout 6.25 g per 1,000 kcal ME, phosphorus in an amount of about 1.0 gto about 4.0 g per 1,000 kcal ME, a ratio of calcium to phosphorusranging from about 1:1 to about 2:1 by weight, magnesium in an amount ofabout 0.15 g to about 0.55 g per 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin D in anamount of about 125 IU to about 1,430 IU per 1,000 kcal ME; wherein thepet food composition provides about 3,500 to about 6,000 kcal ME per kgof the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.
 2. The pet foodcomposition of claim 1, wherein the composition includes each one ofvitamin E in an amount from about 13 IU to about 1,000 IU per 1,000 kcalME, vitamin C in an amount from about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU per1,000 kcal ME, vitamin A in an amount of about 1,300 IU to about 62,500IU per 1,000 kcal ME, selenium in an amount of about 0.1 mg to about 0.5mg per 1,000 kcal ME, lycopene in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100mg per kg of the pet food, carotenoids in an amount of about 1 to about100 mg per kg of the pet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount ofabout 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food, and catechins in anamount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food.
 3. The petfood composition of claim 1, wherein the composition includes each oneof vitamin B1 in an amount of about 0.56 mg to about 150.0 mg per 1,000kcal ME, vitamin B2 in an amount of about 1.3 mg to about 50.0 mg per1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3 in an amount of about 3.4 mg to about 500.0 mgper 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B5 in an amount of about 3.0 mg to about300.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B6 in an amount of about 0.38 mg toabout 200.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in an amount of about 0.01mg to about 10.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in an amount of about0.054 mg to about 40.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin B12 in anamount of about 0.007 mg to about 1.5 mg per 1,000 kcal ME.
 4. The petfood composition of claim 1, wherein the vitamin E is in an amount fromabout 50 IU to about 600 IU per 1,000 kcal ME, the vitamin C is in anamount from about 50 TU to about 600 IU per 1,000 kcal ME, the vitamin Ais in an amount of about 6,000 IU to about 50,000 IU per 1,000 kcal ME,the selenium is in an amount of about 0.14 mg to about 0.28 mg per 1,000kcal ME, the lycopene is in an amount of about 40 mg to about 60 mg perkg of the pet food, the carotenoids are in an amount of about 40 mg toabout 60 mg per kg of the pet food, the proanthocyanidins are in anamount of about 1 mg to about 50 mg per kg of the pet food, thebioflavonoids are in an amount of about 1 mg to about 50 mg per kg ofthe pet food, and the catechins are in an amount of about 1 mg to about50 mg per kg of the pet food; the phenylalanine, the tyrosine, or thecombination of the phenylalanine and the tyrosine are in an amount ofabout 4 g to about 12 g per 1,000 kcal ME; and the lysine is in anamount of about 3 g to about 6.5 g per 1,000 kcal ME; the vitamin B1 isin an amount of about 3.0 mg to about 46.5 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, thevitamin B2 is in an amount of about 1.5 mg to about 10.0 mg per 1,000kcal ME, the vitamin B3 is in an amount of about 20.0 mg to about 250.0mg per 1,000 kcal ME, the vitamin B5 is in an amount of about 5.5 mg toabout 80.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, the vitamin B6 is in an amount of about3.0 mg to about 35.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, the vitamin B7 is in anamount of about 0.035 mg to about 0.8 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, the vitaminB9 is in an amount of about 0.30 mg to about 4.5 mg per 1,000 kcal ME,and the vitamin B12 is in an amount of about 0.015 mg to about 0.3 mgper 1,000 kcal ME; and the calcium is in an amount of about 2.5 g toabout 4.5 g per 1,000 kcal ME, the phosphorus is in an amount of about2.3 g to about 3.4 g per 1,000 kcal ME, the ratio of calcium tophosphorus ranges from about 1:1 to about 1.6:1 by weight, the magnesiumis in an amount of about 0.17 g to about 0.35 g per 1,000 kcal ME, andthe vitamin D is in an amount of about 350 IU to about 1,100 IU per1,000 kcal ME.
 5. The pet food composition of claim 1, wherein the petfood includes at least three metabolites for modulating antioxidantconcentration in the small dog, the metabolites selected from the groupconsisting of 5-oxoproline, gamma-glutamylphenylalanine, urate,gamma-glutamylisoleucine, gamma-glutamylleucine, gamma-glutamylvaline,gamma-glutamyltyrosine, xylonate, arabonate, gamma-glutamylmethionine,gulono-1,4-lactone, bilirubin (E,E), cysteine-glutathione disulfide, andthreonate.
 6. The pet food composition of claim 1, wherein the pet foodcomposition includes at least 3 metabolites for modulating amino acidconcentration in the small dog, the metabolites selected from the groupconsisting of phenylalanine, p-cresol sulfate, phenol sulfate,glutamine, tyrosine, arginine, and lysine.
 7. A method of maintainingthe health of a small dog comprising administering to the small dog apet food composition comprising: at least three antioxidants selectedfrom the group consisting of: vitamin E in an amount from about 13 IU toabout 1,000 IU per 1,000 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME), vitamin C inan amount from about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU per 1,000 kcal ME,vitamin A in an amount of about 1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU per 1,000kcal ME, selenium in an amount of about 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg per 1,000kcal ME, lycopene in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg ofthe pet food, carotenoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg perkg of the pet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg toabout 100 mg per kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount of about1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food, and catechins in an amountof about 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food; amino acidsincluding phenylalanine, tyrosine, or the combination of phenylalanineand tyrosine in an amount of about 1.9 g to about 20 g per 1,000 kcalME; and lysine in an amount of about 1.6 g to about 20 g per 1,000 kcalME; at least three metabolism components selected from the groupconsisting of: vitamin B1 in an amount of about 0.56 mg to about 150.0mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B2 in an amount of about 1.3 mg to about50.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3 in an amount of about 3.4 mg toabout 500.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B5 in an amount of about 3.0mg to about 300.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B6 in an amount of about0.38 mg to about 200.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in an amount ofabout 0.01 mg to about 10.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in anamount of about 0.054 mg to about 40.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, and vitaminB12 in an amount of about 0.007 mg to about 1.5 mg per 1,000 kcal ME;and bone health components including calcium in an amount of about 1.25g to about 6.25 g per 1,000 kcal ME, phosphorus in an amount of about1.0 g to about 4.0 g per 1,000 kcal ME, a ratio of calcium to phosphorusranging from about 1:1 to about 2:1 by weight, magnesium in an amount ofabout 0.15 g to about 0.55 g per 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin D in anamount of about 125 IU to about 1,430 IU per 1,000 kcal ME; wherein thepet food composition provides about 3,500 to about 6,000 kcal ME per kgof the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the administering is a regular administration.
 9. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the composition includes each one of vitaminE in an amount from about 13 IU to about 1,000 IU per 1,000 kcal ME,vitamin C in an amount from about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU per 1,000kcal ME, vitamin A in an amount of about 1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU per1,000 kcal ME, selenium in an amount of about 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg per1,000 kcal ME, lycopene in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg perkg of the pet food, carotenoids in an amount of about 1 to about 100 mgper kg of the pet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg toabout 100 mg per kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount of about1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food, catechins in an amount ofabout 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food.
 10. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the composition includes each one of vitamin B1 in anamount of about 0.56 mg to about 150.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B2in an amount of about 1.3 mg to about 50.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitaminB3 in an amount of about 3.4 mg to about 500.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME,vitamin B5 in an amount of about 3.0 mg to about 300.0 mg per 1,000 kcalME, vitamin B6 in an amount of about 0.38 mg to about 200.0 mg per 1,000kcal ME, vitamin B7 in an amount of about 0.01 mg to about 10.0 mg per1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in an amount of about 0.054 mg to about 40.0mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B12 in an amount of about 0.007 mg toabout 1.5 mg per 1,000 kcal ME.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein thevitamin E is in an amount from about 50 TU to about 600 IU per 1,000kcal ME, the vitamin C is in an amount from about 50 IU to about 600 IUper 1,000 kcal ME, the vitamin A is in an amount of about 6,000 IU toabout 50,000 IU per 1,000 kcal ME, the selenium is in an amount of about0.14 mg to about 0.28 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, the lycopene is in an amountof about 40 mg to about 60 mg per kg of the pet food, the carotenoidsare in an amount of about 40 mg to about 60 mg per kg of the pet food,the proanthocyanidins are in an amount of about 1 mg to about 50 mg perkg of the pet food, the bioflavonoids are in an amount of about 1 mg toabout 50 mg per kg of the pet food, the catechins are in an amount ofabout 1 mg to about 50 mg per kg of the pet food; the phenylalanine, thetyrosine, or the combination of the phenylalanine and the tyrosine arein an amount of about 4 g to about 12 g per 1,000 kcal ME; and thelysine is in an amount of about 3 g to about 6.5 g per 1,000 kcal ME;the vitamin B1 is in an amount of about 3.0 mg to about 46.5 mg per1,000 kcal ME, the vitamin B2 is in an amount of about 1.5 mg to about10.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, the vitamin B3 is in an amount of about 20.0mg to about 250.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, the vitamin B5 is in an amountof about 5.5 mg to about 80.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, the vitamin B6 is inan amount of about 3.0 mg to about 35.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, thevitamin B7 is in an amount of about 0.035 mg to about 0.8 mg per 1,000kcal ME, the vitamin B9 is in an amount of about 0.30 mg to about 4.5 mgper 1,000 kcal ME, the vitamin B12 is in an amount of about 0.015 mg toabout 0.3 mg per 1,000 kcal ME; and the calcium is in an amount of about2.5 g to about 4.5 g per 1,000 kcal ME, the phosphorus is in an amountof about 2.3 g to about 3.4 g per 1,000 kcal ME, the ratio of calcium tophosphorus ranges from about 1:1 to about 1.6:1 by weight, the magnesiumis in an amount of about 0.17 g to about 0.35 g per 1,000 kcal ME, andthe vitamin D is in an amount of about 350 IU to about 1,100 IU per1,000 kcal ME.
 12. The method of claim 7, wherein the pet food includesat least three metabolites for modulating antioxidant concentration inthe small dog, the metabolites selected from the group consisting of5-oxoproline, gamma-glutamylphenylalanine, urate,gamma-glutamylisoleucine, gamma-glutamylleucine, gamma-glutamylvaline,gamma-glutamyltyrosine, xylonate, arabonate, gamma-glutamylmethionine,gulono-1,4-lactone, bilirubin (E,E), cysteine-glutathione disulfide, andthreonate.
 13. The method of claim 7, wherein the pet food compositionincludes at least 3 metabolites for modulating amino acid concentrationin the small dog, the metabolites selected from the group consisting ofphenylalanine, p-cresol sulfate, phenol sulfate, glutamine, tyrosine,arginine, and lysine.
 14. A method of modulating a health parameterselected from the group consisting of bone density, fecal quality, serumtotal antioxidant status, comprising administering to a small dog a petfood composition comprising: at least three antioxidants selected fromthe group consisting of: vitamin E in an amount from about 13 IU toabout 1,000 IU per 1,000 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME), vitamin C inan amount from about 0.25 IU to about 1,000 IU per 1,000 kcal ME,vitamin A in an amount of about 1,300 IU to about 62,500 IU per 1,000kcal ME, selenium in an amount of about 0.1 mg to about 0.5 mg per 1,000kcal ME, lycopene in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg ofthe pet food, carotenoids in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg perkg of the pet food, proanthocyanidins in an amount of about 1 mg toabout 100 mg per kg of the pet food, bioflavonoids in an amount of about1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food, and catechins in an amountof about 1 mg to about 100 mg per kg of the pet food; amino acidsincluding phenylalanine, tyrosine, or the combination of phenylalanineand tyrosine in an amount of about 1.9 g to about 20 g per 1,000 kcalME; and lysine in an amount of about 1.6 g to about 20 g per 1,000 kcalME; at least three metabolism components selected from the groupconsisting of: vitamin B1 in an amount of about 0.56 mg to about 150.0mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B2 in an amount of about 1.3 mg to about50.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B3 in an amount of about 3.4 mg toabout 500.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B5 in an amount of about 3.0mg to about 300.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B6 in an amount of about0.38 mg to about 200.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B7 in an amount ofabout 0.01 mg to about 10.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, vitamin B9 in anamount of about 0.054 mg to about 40.0 mg per 1,000 kcal ME, and vitaminB12 in an amount of about 0.007 mg to about 1.5 mg per 1,000 kcal ME;and bone health components including calcium in an amount of about 1.25g to about 6.25 g per 1,000 kcal ME, phosphorus in an amount of about1.0 g to about 4.0 g per 1,000 kcal ME, a ratio of calcium to phosphorusranging from about 1:1 to about 2:1 by weight, magnesium in an amount ofabout 0.15 g to about 0.55 g per 1,000 kcal ME, and vitamin D in anamount of about 125 IU to about 1,430 IU per 1,000 kcal ME; wherein thepet food composition provides about 3,500 to about 6,000 kcal ME per kgof the pet food composition on a dry matter basis.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein, after regular administration of the pet food to thesmall dog, bone density or serum total antioxidant status is increasedor decreased by at least 5%, or fecal quality is improved.